Württemberg, along with Bavaria and Saxony retained some degree of independence within the Reich. Albrecht commanded the 4th Army in the opening battles of the western front 1914. The 4th Army attacked through Luxembourg with the 3rd Army (commanded by Hausen) to the north, and the 5th Army (commanded by the Crown Prince) to the south. Opposing Albrecht's Army's drive was the French 3rd Army (commanded by Ruffey).